Comparative Analysis of Advanced Practice Nursing: Contextual and Historical Influences in North American and German-Speaking European Countries

Abstract

This article compares the professionalization and educational standards of Advanced Practice Nursing in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with specific attention to geographical, political, and professional factors – both current and historical – influencing the evolution of these nurse leaders. A review of the literature, scientific articles, governmental regulatory texts, and legislative codes from each country, was performed. Patterns related to the geographical, political and professional context of nursing in each country were identified with comparative insights on the evolution of the discipline. Advancement of the nursing discipline is apparent in each country over the last century, although at differing rates. The disparity in development and level of autonomous practice for Advanced Practice Nurses in each country can be better understood in the context of historical, geographical, political and professional development. This review of the literature was combined with a comparative analysis and offers insights to inform nurses in education, leadership, practice, and advocacy interested in advancing the professionalization of advanced practice nursing internationally.